He was recommended by a selection committee consisting of Councilmen Daryl Hickman and Bob Magee.

The only other applicant for the
Planning Commission
was Lake Elsinore businessman Hector Zubieta, the city clerk said.

"I'm happy to report we had an exceptional crop of applicants," Magee said at Tuesday's meeting.

Gray will join a five-member panel that includes Chairwoman Shelly Jordan and Commissioner Rick Morsch, whose terms expire in June 2014.

A resident of Lake Elsinore for 15 years, Gray said he believes his experience in the resort and hospitality industry will be of use to the commission.

The panel is responsible for reviewing land-use and development issues and projects.

"I have an understanding of where the city has been and a vision for where it can be," Gray wrote in an email. "I look forward to serving the city as a planning commissioner and to contributing to the city's successful future."